Is your dad a blessing?

Andrea Ryan, wife of Mission Kid’s director and pastor Jim Ryan, of the Lighthouse Mission, recently published a book, just in time for Father’s Day.

Her book, titled “My Dad is a Blessing,” is now available for purchase on Amazon. This is the second in her series. Ryan’s first publication, “Mom’s a Blessing,” is also available on Amazon.

The 20-page picture book, illustrated by Bella Maher, celebrates dads and all they do, and features watercolor illustrations of dads and children of all different ethnicities. The book is written in poem form, describing a day with dad from a child’s perspective, doing errands and playing.

Andrea Ryan originally wrote her first book about a decade ago for a Mommy and Me group she was leading at the Lighthouse Mission for 3-to-4-year-olds. She was then inspired to write a book for her counterpart, dad!

The book was dedicated to her husband and pastor, Jim Ryan. It also features illustrations that look similar to him, as well as a few illustrations based on their three children and some local favorite Long Island spots.

“My mom always loved books so much. She was a children’s librarian for many years. It’s so sweet to see her show her love for Jesus through her writing,” said her daughter and Lighthouse Mission office manager Emily Ryan, noting that both her parents are a blessing to her and her siblings. “I’m so proud of her and I’m so excited to see what books she comes up with next!”

Ryan envisions the book as a great gift for Father’s Day, baby showers, birthdays, or just because. To purchase visit: https://a.co/d/7SjTj1F.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrea Ryan is a graduate of Queens College with a master’s degree in library science. She has worked in several public libraries as a children’s librarian. Since childhood, one of Ryan’s favorite pastimes was reading and writing her own poetry and short stories. Her love for children’s literature and writing inspired her to write her own children’s books.

Ryan is a pastor’s wife and a homeschooling mom. Her husband, Jim, oversees a local ministry that she and their three children, Daniel, Emily, and Rebecca have been actively a part of for the past 16 years. Ryan was blessed to run the Saturday program for young children in locally challenged communities for several years at their ministry. 

Residing on Long Island, Ryan enjoys hiking and biking with her husband, walking at the beach, teaching piano, spending time with her children, and, of course, reading.